So, our family (minus our son, Jesse who had to work) spent the day at Kelton's soccer practice and then the Maple Valley Farmers Market. I shot a bunch of pictures, as per usual. But lately I've been in a slump when it comes to getting my two-year-old granddaughter Kira to smile. Today was no different.
This shot was the best of the bunch. Her older brother Kelton was off to the right in this shot learning how to dribble and shoot a soccer ball. When the practice was almost over Kira's mom and grandmother (upper left corner on the ground) let her go and she ran over to me. Later at the farmers market I even plied her with ice cream and still couldn't get a smile.
So, I keep trying. But she's still a cutey.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Alicia Healey & Lisa Mills
The family stopped by the Maple Valley farmer's market this morning after Kelton's soccer practice. Had some ice cream, tasted and bought some great local produce, and picked up some gorgeous flowers. We also got to listen to a bit of live music provided by Alicia Healey and Lisa Mills.
I had my Nikon D40 around my neck but turned on my iPhone 3GS just to record a little bit of the end of one of their songs and the iPhone got some love from Lisa. I'd like to think it was me that got her attention, but we all know better. These little phones are just so darned cute...and powerful.
BTW...here's more about these two performers: www.aliciahealey.com/ They are very good.
I had my Nikon D40 around my neck but turned on my iPhone 3GS just to record a little bit of the end of one of their songs and the iPhone got some love from Lisa. I'd like to think it was me that got her attention, but we all know better. These little phones are just so darned cute...and powerful.
BTW...here's more about these two performers: www.aliciahealey.com/ They are very good.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Final Summer Of Fun Forest
The amusement park at Seattle Center, Fun Forest is due to be demolished next year. As I walked around there today it occurred to me that this is the final summer for the old place. I asked one of the teens running a ticket booth and she got a little sad and said yes. I know time marches on and things change, but it's still sad.
Seattle Center was the first place my friends and I got to go to alone when we were 12 or 13. We took the bus in from Burien and road the Ferris Wheel and played the games. Now it's going away to make room for...something. I'm not sure final decisions have been made, have they?
Here's to fond memories of summer as a kid.
Seattle Center was the first place my friends and I got to go to alone when we were 12 or 13. We took the bus in from Burien and road the Ferris Wheel and played the games. Now it's going away to make room for...something. I'm not sure final decisions have been made, have they?
Here's to fond memories of summer as a kid.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Elvis Was Here
Early this morning as I was waiting for some video to render at work at Pacific Science Center, I decided to wander around outside. Happened to look down and spotted this little warning sign, It reminded me that Elvis did, indeed run across that wall in the film, "It Happened At The World's Fair" in 1962.
Not sure if the sign was posted because of Elvis, but it's kind of funny to see it there. Even funnier was me crawling around trying to keep my iPhone 3GS from ending up in the ponds.
Not sure if the sign was posted because of Elvis, but it's kind of funny to see it there. Even funnier was me crawling around trying to keep my iPhone 3GS from ending up in the ponds.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
ARGH! Stop For Just A Moment!
How in the world can I get these grandkids to stop and take a picture!?
When we had just one grandchild I could usually get him to sort of pose for me, or at least focus on me for a few minutes so I could snap a few pics. But now that his little sister is also jockeying for position, neither one will sit still long enough for me to get them together.
How do those photogs in the studios get them to do it!?
After MANY futile attempts outside this evening, Kelton and Kira's mom Jennifer grabbed them and we got a couple of shots. This was the best I could do. I just had my iPhone 3GS. If I'd gone in for my Nikon D40 the moment would have been LONG gone.
Any and all suggestions, ideas, tips, thoughts on getting hyper-active kids and adults to at least slow down for a few moments for a slow grandfather to snap a few shots would be appreciated.
When we had just one grandchild I could usually get him to sort of pose for me, or at least focus on me for a few minutes so I could snap a few pics. But now that his little sister is also jockeying for position, neither one will sit still long enough for me to get them together.
How do those photogs in the studios get them to do it!?
After MANY futile attempts outside this evening, Kelton and Kira's mom Jennifer grabbed them and we got a couple of shots. This was the best I could do. I just had my iPhone 3GS. If I'd gone in for my Nikon D40 the moment would have been LONG gone.
Any and all suggestions, ideas, tips, thoughts on getting hyper-active kids and adults to at least slow down for a few moments for a slow grandfather to snap a few shots would be appreciated.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
The Orchards 1 - Yellow Jackets 0
Well, actually the yellow jackets scored a victory a couple weeks ago when they got my grandson and me while out geocaching. But this time they chose the wrong place to build their nest and we scored a major victory!
Due to my procrastination, our winter wood supply is still not inside the shed. Those pesky yellow jackets decided to build their hive right on top. So, my son Jesse went and sprayed the heck out of it and then pulled it out. Not one sting.
Now, if he could just do something about that woodpile.
Due to my procrastination, our winter wood supply is still not inside the shed. Those pesky yellow jackets decided to build their hive right on top. So, my son Jesse went and sprayed the heck out of it and then pulled it out. Not one sting.
Now, if he could just do something about that woodpile.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
So Why Does Audio+Picture Seem Easier Than Video?
If you haven't been paying attention, I LOVE the new iPhone! The improved camera and video capabilities are just great. But something happened today that got me thinking. Maybe you can help answer my questions.
I've been snapping pictures and short videos and quickly uploading to YouTube and Flickr. LOVE that! It's quick and easy and the quality is pretty darn good. And the biggest plus is: the iPhone (camera/audio/video recorder) is always in my pocket and ready at a moment's notice. Today I added s0mething new: the Audioboo. Below is my first (and only as of this writing) example. Take a listen.
If you click this link and go directly to the Audioboo, you'll see an image associated with it. It was recorded on my new iPhone 3GS using the Audioboo app (free). The image was snapped with the iPhone camera. The question is: why didn't I just turn on the camera, record some video/audio and upload that? Is it because I spent so long in the radio world? The Audioboo technique is very much like recording a reporter on scene report (roser in the old vernacular) into my old Sony tape recorder. The only difference is (other than the better quality) that I included a picture with it. But the ability to include video is much more powerful. Why not just do that? With Flickr I can shoot a few seconds of video, send it via email, it shows up on Twitter and Flickr and Facebook automatically. So why does this Audioboo thing seem so much better to me? Not sure. Maybe someone can share some insight.
I do wish Audioboo had some rudimentary editing capability as the iPhone 3GS video offers. Seems like a simple thing to add. And frankly, I wish Flickr would buy them out or offer similar abilities. I'm afraid Flickr is falling behind quickly in the iPhone space. They need to ramp up, get some apps out there, and take over this realm. I hate having my material spread out over a bunch of spaces, especially some that may or may not survive. Pretty sure Flickr will. Would rather have all my images there.
I've been snapping pictures and short videos and quickly uploading to YouTube and Flickr. LOVE that! It's quick and easy and the quality is pretty darn good. And the biggest plus is: the iPhone (camera/audio/video recorder) is always in my pocket and ready at a moment's notice. Today I added s0mething new: the Audioboo. Below is my first (and only as of this writing) example. Take a listen.
If you click this link and go directly to the Audioboo, you'll see an image associated with it. It was recorded on my new iPhone 3GS using the Audioboo app (free). The image was snapped with the iPhone camera. The question is: why didn't I just turn on the camera, record some video/audio and upload that? Is it because I spent so long in the radio world? The Audioboo technique is very much like recording a reporter on scene report (roser in the old vernacular) into my old Sony tape recorder. The only difference is (other than the better quality) that I included a picture with it. But the ability to include video is much more powerful. Why not just do that? With Flickr I can shoot a few seconds of video, send it via email, it shows up on Twitter and Flickr and Facebook automatically. So why does this Audioboo thing seem so much better to me? Not sure. Maybe someone can share some insight.
I do wish Audioboo had some rudimentary editing capability as the iPhone 3GS video offers. Seems like a simple thing to add. And frankly, I wish Flickr would buy them out or offer similar abilities. I'm afraid Flickr is falling behind quickly in the iPhone space. They need to ramp up, get some apps out there, and take over this realm. I hate having my material spread out over a bunch of spaces, especially some that may or may not survive. Pretty sure Flickr will. Would rather have all my images there.
Kelton's First Soccer Turnout
Joyce and I had just one child, Jesse. When he was five he started playing soccer and we spent many years traveling to practice sessions and games. And loved it. Today, Jesse and Jennifer's son Kelton began his soccer adventure at age four.
It was a gorgeous day at Lake Wilderness Park in Maple Valley. A huge bald eagle flying overhead and a doe with two fawns wandering by added to the scene. There were about 15 four year old boys and girls and one poor woman who was the only coach to show up on this first day of practice. For some reason, the other two coaches didn't make it.
But it was a fun half hour session. Our redheaded grandson in the orange shirt did quite well for his first time out. During the part where every kid gets to kick the ball in the net one by one, he joined the coach in giving each player a high five when they came back. We're not sure if the rest of the parents thought it was cute or that he was obnoxious. If they didn't agree with us, well...what do they know?
Couldn't help wonder as I looked at all the young parents how many of them did we watch play when our son was a boy? This whole getting old thing is strange, but fascinating.
It was a gorgeous day at Lake Wilderness Park in Maple Valley. A huge bald eagle flying overhead and a doe with two fawns wandering by added to the scene. There were about 15 four year old boys and girls and one poor woman who was the only coach to show up on this first day of practice. For some reason, the other two coaches didn't make it.
But it was a fun half hour session. Our redheaded grandson in the orange shirt did quite well for his first time out. During the part where every kid gets to kick the ball in the net one by one, he joined the coach in giving each player a high five when they came back. We're not sure if the rest of the parents thought it was cute or that he was obnoxious. If they didn't agree with us, well...what do they know?
Couldn't help wonder as I looked at all the young parents how many of them did we watch play when our son was a boy? This whole getting old thing is strange, but fascinating.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Sunrise Moon
I love summer, especially early mornings during this season. When I walked out to the car to go to work this morning two deer were standing about 20 feet away. By the time I grabbed my iPhone to snap a pic they had sauntered off behind the barn. So, I looked up and saw the moon hanging in the trees and snapped it.
The iPhone 3GS does have a better camera than my first gen, but it still doesn't do great in low light. I ran this through Photoshop after using Image Capture to download the original from the phone.
It was the start to what I hope is a great day.
The iPhone 3GS does have a better camera than my first gen, but it still doesn't do great in low light. I ran this through Photoshop after using Image Capture to download the original from the phone.
It was the start to what I hope is a great day.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Family 4th In Hobart
Love it when our family spends the 4th of July at home. This year we didn't have a big barbecue (that's coming tomorrow). But we did set off some fireworks.
Kelton is four now, Kira is two. This was her first year of getting into it. They both got to hold sparklers and watch as their papa fired off some rounds. But they both would still rather sit on someone's lap with hands over ears, even though the loudest noise came from our neighbors a mile away.
All in all, a good time was had by everyone. Hope your holiday was good as well.
Kelton is four now, Kira is two. This was her first year of getting into it. They both got to hold sparklers and watch as their papa fired off some rounds. But they both would still rather sit on someone's lap with hands over ears, even though the loudest noise came from our neighbors a mile away.
All in all, a good time was had by everyone. Hope your holiday was good as well.
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